Discover Tasmania: Your Guide to Australia’s Wild Island

• Hobart & Surrounds: Hobart is Tasmania’s lively capital and feels like a mix of old-world charm and modern creativity. It’s compact enough to explore easily but filled with hidden gems.

• MONA - Museum of Old and New Art: MONA is unlike any museum you’ve been to. It’s bold, weird and thought-provoking. Take the ferry for the full experience and set aside at least a day to explore it all.

• Salamanca Markets: Saturdays are for Salamanca. It’s a mix of local produce, handmade goods and street performances. Go hungry and sample as you wander.

• Mt Wellington/Kunanyi: The drive to the summit is an experience in itself, and the views — if the weather cooperates — are spectacular. At 1,271 meters (4,170 feet), Mt Wellington is even higher than South Africa's Table Mountain. Bring a jacket. It’s always colder than you'd expect up there.

• Battery Point: This historic neighborhood is a delight to wander through. Grab a coffee or pastry at Jackman & McRoss and just enjoy the vibe.

• Bruny Island: Bruny Island is a magical escape just off Tasmania’s southeastern coast, perfect for nature lovers and foodies alike.

• Bruny Island Day Trip: Take the ferry from Kettering and spend the day exploring Bruny Island. The coastline is rugged, the beaches are stunning and the food — especially the oysters and cheese — is fantastic.

• The Neck: Stop at Truganini Lookout, which commands one of the island’s best views, stretching along the length of The Neck and into Adventure Bay.

• Bruny Island Cruise: If you’re up for a bit of adventure, the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys cruise is unforgettable. It’s a mix of thrill and awe as you zip past sea cliffs and spot wildlife. This is always one of my top recommendations and one of the best experiences I’ve had in Australia.

• Bruny Island’s Gourmet Trail: Explore the main road for local treats like oysters from Get Shucked (with the world’s first oyster drive-through window), cheese from the Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Co, honey at The Honey Pot and chocolates at Bruny Island Chocolate.

• Freycinet National Park: Freycinet is about a 2.5-hour drive from Hobart, so I always recommend staying at least two nights. Wineglass Bay is the star here — the lookout hike is worth every step, but if you’re feeling adventurous, the walk down to the beach is even better. There’s so much to do: kayaking, cruising along the coast or just relaxing on the sand. Freycinet is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

• Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park: Cradle Mountain is where you go to disconnect and soak in nature. It’s about a 4.5-hour drive from Hobart, so plan for two to three nights. I love walking around Dove Lake — it’s an easy trail with stunning views. For those up for a challenge, the Overland Track is iconic. Keep your eyes peeled for wombats — they’re everywhere! The air is crisp, the scenery is breathtaking and it’s a place that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Hobart

• The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery: Food that feels connected to the land. The flavors are fresh, and the setting is gorgeous.

• Peppina: Italian-inspired dishes with a Tasmanian twist. Sophisticated without being stuffy.

• Daci & Daci Bakers: My go-to for pastries and a quick, hearty breakfast. Their baked goods are divine.

• Jackman & McRoss: A cozy café in Battery Point known for its artisan pastries and hearty breakfasts.

• Shipwright Arms Hotel: A historic pub offering warm hospitality, local brews and classic Tasmanian dishes.

Bruny Island

• Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co: The cheese is incredible, and their beers pair perfectly.

• Get Shucked: Oysters so fresh you’ll want to eat a dozen (or two). The drive-through setup is quirky and fun.